The Spotland Stadium pitch was heavily-sanded before the tie against Millwall to ensure the game could go aheadFA Cup fifth roundDate: 16-19 FebruaryCoverage: Rochdale v Tottenham (Sun, 18 February 16:00 GMT), Wigan v Manchester City (Mon, 19 February) live on BBC One and BBC Sport website.

Rochdale’s pitch is a “massive risk” to players and the Football Association must “take a decision” before Tottenham visit in the FA Cup next weekend, says Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Rochdale beat Millwall on Tuesday to set up a fifth-round tie with Spurs but the surface was heavily criticised.

“It is not a pitch in a condition to play football,” Pochettino said.

However, BBC Sport understands the fixture is unlikely to be moved from Rochdale’s home Spotland.

The FA is in conversation with the League One club and will discuss the issue again with Dale after their home game with Fleetwood this weekend.

Venues can be changed in extreme circumstances but instead the FA will offer Rochdale a ‘subsidised pitch protection service’ which, if accepted, would include providing independent additional support in the form of extra groundstaff and equipment ahead of the fixture.

Rochdale v Millwall highlights

Rochdale’s two home games prior to the FA Cup victory over Millwall were both postponed due to a waterlogged pitch while rugby league side Rochdale Hornets also play at the ground.

“I think the FA needs to assess the pitch and then to take a decision if it is good for the FA Cup, good for the players, for the team and players to play on this type of pitch,” Pochettino said.

“I think it is about providing a safe place to play for the players.

“I think it is a big risk to play on a pitch like this, if the pictures give us an accurate state. If it is like what I saw in the pictures I don’t think you can play football.

“Not because we are Tottenham – Rochdale I think too cannot play there. It is a massive risk for their players too. The FA needs to go in and take a good decision for football.”